Dick's World

What I found the most horrifying was "Orphan Trains and Their Precious Cargo." I couldn't believe that the Children’s Aid Society, an organization that one would think, from its name, was supposed to help children, was carting children off to live with and work for strangers. I realize that the goal of the Children’s Aid Society was to help give orphaned children a home and get them off the streets of New York City, but this text makes it seem as if they did not really care about the children’s welfare. “The children would be lined up and inspected, not unlike cattle, and would be chosen (or not) by the various farmers. Often, the children would be asked to perform for the audience and would sing or dance. The lucky ones (relatively speaking) were chosen by a farmer or his wife, or both, and were taken to their new homes in the country.” This passage reminded me of slave markets. It seems like these children are being sold like slaves, which makes me think that they will continue to be treated like slaves in their new homes. It was amazing to me that, relatively soon after slavery was abolished in the United States, a new kind of slavery was created in the way of children. Is a form of slavery still present in the United States today?

On the other hand, I thought it was interesting that, continuing on to the next paragraph of “Orphan Trains and Their Precious Cargo,” it says “The Society’s agents would follow up on the children and make occasional visits to the farms they were placed on. If the new homes were found unsuitable for one reason or another, the children would be removed and placed once again. Some children would be placed in as many as eight or more homes before finally finding one that was suitable… The children would be asked to write the Society at least twice a year and report on their new lives in the country and their hopes for the future.” This gives an entirely different outlook on the Children’s Aid Society, creating the impression that they actually care about the children’s well being. I find it strange that the Children’s Aid Society would auction off the children, but then check up on them and take the time to find new homes for them if need be. Although this text does not specify about how effective the Society was with responding to what the children wrote in their letters or with making sure the new homes were suitable. 

Ragged Dick 12-27

This section of Ragged Dick focuses on his gradual rise in society into a “’spectable” man. He starts as a boot-black with only five dollars, which he decides to invest in the bank. He saves over $100 in nine months, learns to read and write, and attends church. He ends up getting “a situation” as a clerk in a counting-room earning ten dollars a week! Dick’s story represents the American Dream, and that anything is possible. A poor boy with nothing was able to make his way up in society with hard work, good morals, and kindness. Some people may questions this, and say that this is not possible. Some say that the American Dream is not a reality. There is too much corruption in the world for this to happen. Dick’s story cannot be real. I disagree with these statements. I believe that Dick’s story is based off the lives of many young boys in similar situations. Good deeds and kindness can go a long way in life, which Dick shows when he risks his own life to save the little boy. Ragged Dick also contains this message, and encourages people to be kind, not to cheat or steal, and to help the others around you.

Another interesting occurrence in this section of Ragged Dick is Dick’s budding friendship with Henry Fosdick. It starts off with them helping each other out; Dick gives Fosdick a place to live and Fosdick teaches Dick to read and write. He ends up teaching Dick all he knows. They grow to care about each other, and help each other out of bad situations. Dick helps Fosdick get a job, and they are very supportive of each other’s hard work. They develop a true friendship. I think this is really important and says a lot about their character.